A 200-MILE (322km) trail linking Scotland’s national parks has been launched to encourage more tourists on foot, bikes and cars to the heart of Scotland.
The Heart 200 forms a route between Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Cairngorms and aims to stem the decline of tourists visiting the region.
Promoters of the circular route, which also includes Perth and Stirling, say there has been a drop in visitor numbers of 17% since 2011 and hope that the “leisurely journey through the stunning heart of Scotland” will help to attract more tourists.
A website has also been launched with an online tourist guide and planner featuring hundreds of attractions in the area, accessible by public roads, within the 200-mile route.
READ MORE: Scotland's whisky distilleries welcome record visitor numbers
Robert Cairns, managing director of Heart 200 and owner of the Fortingall Hotel near Aberfeldy, said: “With visitor numbers declining year on year in this region for several years now, Heart 200 has been designed to encourage tourism back into the heart of Scotland.
“We aim to offer visitors a unique holiday experience; a leisurely journey through the stunning heart of Scotland, giving visitors the option of staying in the area for as long as possible.
READ MORE: Cruise Loch Ness celebrates record visitor numbers for winter season
“We are delighted to have officially launched our website, designed to be a go-to resource for those who are looking to holiday within the vicinity of Heart 200.
“It’s full of ideas for planning a holiday, providing suggested itineraries and tours and highlighting the numerous attractions and places to stay, eat and spend time.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here